Defending Drills
Jockeying, steering, recovering and holding a shape, for one player or a back line. 10 drills from Spatrian’s program, each with its set-up, its steps and what to watch for. Put any of them in a session with the practice plan builder.
DefendingDefensive Shape Drill
Practice maintaining defensive line and shifting as a unit.
DefendingChannel Duel — Steer to the Line
Defend a narrow channel by showing the attacker sideways instead of diving in.
DefendingZonal Sliding Screen
A defending line shifts across together to shut whichever side the ball is on.
DefendingRecovery Run and Angle of Pursuit
Chase back from behind on a curved line so you arrive goal-side rather than alongside.
DefendingSteering to the Outside Gate
Defend a central goal by making the attacker take the side gate instead.
DefendingJockey and Recovery Challenge
Back off under control, then turn and match them the moment they go.
DefendingSoloSmall spaceJockeying Shadow
Defensive shuffling with no ball at all — the shape a defender holds before the tackle.
DefendingSoloRecovery Run: Turn and Track
The ball is lost up the pitch: turn on the first step, sprint back goal-side of an imaginary attacker, and settle into a defending stance.DefendingSoloCut the Angle: Goal-Side Position
The ball moves round a fan of cones; the defender moves each time to the line between the ball and the goal, two steps off it, side-on.
DefendingSoloSmall spaceShadow 1v1 Reactions
A defender's reactions in a box: the parent, or a timer's calls, is the attacker, and the child shifts, jockeys and pounces on the call without a ball being struck.More drills
All drillsPassing DrillsDribbling DrillsScanning DrillsFirst Touch DrillsShooting DrillsSpeed and Agility DrillsDrills for GoalkeepersDrills for DefendersDrills for MidfieldersDrills for ForwardsTeam Soccer Drills for PracticeWall DrillsDrills Without ConesIndoor Drills
Every drill, read aloud and on the record
In Spatrian the Audio Coach talks a player through these drills while they play, and each run goes on their own training record, which their coach or personal trainer can read. The beta is opening to a small first group of players, coaches and families.